The Mayo Clinic describes colon cancer as cancer starting in the large intestine, or the colon. Treatment for colon cancer typically depends on the stage and extent of disease, and radiation therapy is one commonly used treatment. It may be used alone to treat colon cancer, or combined with chemotherapy, according to the Mayo Clinic. There may be side effects, which tend to resolve once treatment has ended.
Nausea
According to the American Cancer Society, individuals receiving radiation to the abdomen can experience nausea immediately following the treatments. Having radiation on an empty stomach can help mitigate this, as well as waiting an hour or two post-treatment to eat anything. Eating frequent small meals, drinking cool liquids in between meals, eating bland or room temperature meals and avoiding fried or high fat foods can all help reduce the nausea.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea following radiation therapy is also seen in individuals who have radiation to the abdomen, notes the American Cancer Society. When diarrhea starts, drinking clear liquids, avoiding high fiber foods and eating small frequent meals can minimize the diarrhea. If milk or milk products make the diarrhea worse, avoiding these foods is suggested. Diarrhea can cause a loss of potassium, so making sure your diet has enough potassium is important. Eating potassium-rich foods like potatoes and bananas is recommended.
Other Systemic Side Effects
Cancercompass.com and Colon Cancer Resource mention fatigue as a common side effect of radiation for colon cancer, which tends to worsen as treatment goes on. Other side effects can include bloody stools, lack of appetite, cramping and pain with urination, caused by bladder irritation. The American Cancer Society also states that sexual functioning may be impaired, with impotence occurring in men, and vaginal dryness and irritation occurring in women. Some people have skin changes as a result of radiation therapy; these changes only affect the area of skin exposed to the radiation, and are similar to a sunburn, with itching and peeling. Using lukewarm water and mild soap to wash the area, avoiding sun exposure to the area for about a year after treatment and avoiding tight clothing over the area can all help minimize skin discomfort after radiation.
Emotional Effects
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be difficult, and when fatigue occurs as a result of radiation or other treatments, it can compound emotions, according to the American Cancer Society. Depression, fear, anxiety, anger, loneliness and helplessness are all common emotions, and ones that can easily be addressed. Asking your health care team about support groups or counseling can get you the support you need to alleviate these feelings, and can provide you with tools for dealing with them.
Long-Term Side Effects
There may be long-term side effects of radiation, including an increased risk of developing a second cancer due to changes in healthy cells from the radiation, notes the American Cancer Society. Although the risk is minimal, it exists; talking to your doctor about your type of radiation therapy and the risk of developing a second malignancy based on your treatment can help you get a better idea of any long-term risks.
